Did the guided trail rides offered by Cactus Jack (352-266-9326) in the Park this past summer. Nothing too exciting if you have some skills and like to ride horses. Just follow the leader at a walk and stick to the trail. It is good for beginners, and the horses are very well behaved.
We rode out of Happy Acres Ranch (352-489-8550, about 45 min drive from TV in Dunnellon area) 2 years ago. More of an unstructured ride with some open fields, trotting and faster paced riding if you are comfortable to do so. The owner is the guide. More of a personalized service, he let the kids lead the horses back to their stalls, unbridle them, etc, all under close supervision. They have a wide range of horse sizes for different children's ages and skills. He runs weekly summer horse camps for kids using the same horses and facilities.
Both cost about $80 for 2 hours.
Both supply helmets for the kids and optionally for adults. It goes without saying, good shoes and long pants are a must.
Bring a supply of carrots to feed the horses (with permission). The young grandkids really liked that best, as did the horses.
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All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.
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